28th Dec: President Nasheed has appointed 2 atoll councillors and 16 island councillors.

The newly appointed councillors are:

1. Mr. Mohamed Kaleyfaanu as the councillor for Kolhumadulu Atoll

2. Mr. Thaufeeq Abdulla as the councillor for North Huvadhu Atoll

3. Mr. Ibrahim Rasheed as the councillor for Hoarafushi of North Thiladhummathi Atoll

4. Mr. Moosa Abdul Gadir as the councillor for Burunee of Kolhumadulu Atoll

5. Mr. Moosa Musthafa as the councillor for Vilufushi of Kolhumadulu Atoll

6. Mr. Ibrahim Shaukath as the councillor for Madifushi of Kolhumadulu Atoll

7. Mr. Adnan Ali as the councillor for Dhiyamigili of Kolhumadulu Atoll

8. Mr. Hussain Ali as the councillor for Gaadhiffushi of Kolhumadulu Atoll

9. Mr. Fathulla Mohamed as the councillor for Kan'doodhoo of Kolhumadulu Atoll

10. Mr. Ibrahim Rasheed as the councillor for Vandhoo of Kolhumadulu Atoll

11. Mr. Mohamed Shakeeb as the councillor for Hirilandhoo of Kolhumadulu Atoll

12. Mr. Moosa Maniku Ali as the councillor for Guraidhoo of Kolhumadulu Atoll

13. Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed as the councillor for Veymandoo of Kolhumadulu Atoll

14. Mr. Ahmed Abdulla as the councillor for Omadhoo of Kolhumadulu Atoll

15. Mr. Mohamed Siyam as the councillor for Dhaandhoo of North Huvadhu Atoll

16. Mr. Ahmed Raoof as the councillor for Kolamaafushi of North Huvadhu Atoll

17. Mr. Abdul Azeez Mohamed as the councillor for Gadhdhoo of South Huvadhu Atoll

18. Mr. Hussain Abdulla as the councillor for Fiyoaree of South Huvadhu Atoll

The President briefs the Cabinet on his state visit to India

28th Dec: President Nasheed today briefed the Cabinet on his state visit to India. The President informed that this visit had been very successful and that two very important bilateral agreements were signed between India and the Maldives.

The President made this visit to India from 23 - 25 December. The two bilateral agreements that were signed were an air services agreement and standby credit facility agreement.

At today's meeting, the Cabinet also discussed ways of improving the country's economy. Also, since two important bills on the upcoming parliamentary elections have not yet been passed by the People's Majlis, the members of the cabinet discussed on possible measures that can be taken over the matter.

The President appoints Members to the Board of Directors of Bank of Maldives

28th Dec: President Nasheed has appointed Members to the Board of Directors of Bank of Maldives Public Limited. Mr. Salah Shihab was appointed as the Chairman and Ms Serena Ho Oi Khuen was appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of the Board.

Other members appointed to the Board are:

- Mr. Mohamed Manih Ahmed

- Mr. As-ad Ali

- Mr. Umar Mohamed Maniku

- Ms Aishath Noordeen

- Ms Mariyam Khalida

The President conveys greeting to the people on the occasion of the Hijri New Year

28th Dec: President Nasheed has conveyed greetings to the people of the Maldives on the occasion of the Hijri New Year. Following is the President's message to the nation on the occasion:

Quote:

I send sincere greetings and well wishes to the people of Maldives and to all Muslim brothers and sisters around the world, on the happy occasion of the Hijri New Year.

May this year, be filled with blessings of the Almighty Allah, with peace and harmony, and may humanity attain new heights of progress.

Unquote:

The President begins a tour of North and South Huvadhu Atolls

29th Dec: President Nasheed, this afternoon, departed Male' on a visit to North and South Huvadhu Atolls.

During his visit to the two Atolls, the President will inaugurate the Upper South Utilities Limited and will also oversee the establishment of transport network.

The President's first stop of the tour will be at Kaadedhoo of South Huvadhu Atoll. The President will then visit Gadhdhoo, where he will meet with the people of the island. He is also scheduled to visit Thinadhoo.

The President is being accompanied by Minister of Housing, Transport and Environment, Mr. Mohamed Aslam; Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, Uz. Hassan Latheef; Minister of State for Finance and Treasury, Mr. Ahmed Assad; Minister of State for Islamic Affairs, Sh. Mohamed Shaheem Ali saeed; some Members of the People's Majlis; and some senior officials of the President's Office.

The President establishes Labour Tribunal and appoints members to the Tribunal

29th Dec: President Nasheed has established Labour Tribunal and appointed members to the Tribunal.

Ms Mariyam Nazima was appointed as the President and Mr. Mohamed Ahmed was appointed as the Vice President of the tribunal.

Other members appointed to the tribunal are:

- Mr. Ali Najeeb

- Uz. Ibrahim Riffath

- Uz. Hussain Shameem

- Uza. Fathimath Shifana

- Uza. Shabab Rasheed

The members of the tribunal took their oath of office before the President at a ceremony held at the President's Office this morning. The oath was administered by Chief Judge of the Civil Court, Uz. Shuaib Hussain Zakariyya.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President noted that both employees and employers have rights as well as responsibilities. Speaking in this regard, he urged the members of the Labour Tribunal to keep this consideration in mind, while fulfilling their responsibilities.

The President visits Dhaandhoo and Villingili

30th Dec: As part of his tour to Huvadhu Atoll, President Nasheed has today visited Dhaandhoo and Villingili of North Huvadhu Atoll.

During his visit to Dhaandhoo and Villingili, the President met with the people of the two islands and inquired about their wellbeing.

In Dhaandhoo, the President visited the island office and signed the visitors' book, and later visited Dhandhoo Court and met with the staff there.

Speaking to the people of the islands, the President highlighted that administrative regionalisation would speed up the delivery of services to the people. He also said the establishment of companies such as the Upper South Utilities Company would facilitate the convenient delivery of services, including electricity, water supply, sewerage system and cooking gas at low price rates.

Speaking on the proposed transport network system, the President said the system would pave the way for construction of harbours for islands and provision of related services to the people by the Government.

Furthermore, the President noted that the government would assist private health providers. He also expressed his hope that housing construction companies would begin their work next year.

The President assigns Public Complaints Bureau to carryout the tasks of Information Commissioner

31st Dec: President Nasheed has assigned Public Complaints Bureau with discharging the duties of the Information Commissioner under the Right to Information Act, which will come into force on 1 January 2009.

The President made this assignment in accordance with Article 41(d) of the Right to Information Act, with legal counsel from the Attorney General.

The duties of the Information Commissioner were assigned to the Public Complaints Bureau until the appointment of an Information Commissioner under appropriate legal framework.

The President appoints Minister of State for Housing, Transport and Environment

31st Dec: President Nasheed has today appointed Mr Abdulla Shahid as the Minister of State for Housing, Transport and Environment. Mr Shahid previously served as the Minister of State for Defence and National Security.

The President sends a message of congratulations to the Prime Minister-elect of Bangladesh

31st Dec: President Nasheed has sent a message of congratulations to the Prime Minster-elect of Bangladesh, Mr. Sheikh Hasina. The President's message reads as follows:

Quote:

The government and the people of the Maldives join me in conveying to you our warm congratulations and sincere good wishes on the remarkable victory of Awami League alliance in the parliamentary elections.

This election victory shows the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have in your leadership. The victory also presents a new opportunity for Bangladesh to usher in a vibrant democracy based on values of freedom, mutual respect and concord.

I am confident that the close relations of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two countries will deepen in the coming years. I also look forward to working with you on all regional matters for the benefit of our peoples.

Please accept my personal best wishes for your good health and well-being and for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Bangladesh.

Unquote:

The President announces the government's policy on island development

31st Dec: President Nasheed has announced his administrations' policy on island development. The President announced the policy during his visit to North and South Huvadhu Atolls.

Speaking to the people of the islands of these atolls, the President highlighted that administrative regionalisation would speed up the delivery of services to the people. He also said the establishment of companies such as the Upper South Utilities Company would facilitate a more convenient delivery of services, including electricity, water supply, sewerage system and cooking gas at low price rates.

Speaking on the proposed transport network system, the President said the system would pave the way for construction of harbours for islands and provision of related services to the people by the Government.

Furthermore, the President noted that the government would assist private health providers. He also expressed his hope that housing construction companies would begin their work next year.

President Nasheed also informed that harbour construction or improvement of islands, including Kon'dey of North Huvadhu Atoll and Fiyoari of South Huvadhu Atoll, would begin next year.

The President arrived in Male last night after concluding his tour.

The President appoints acting Minister of Home Affairs

31st Dec: President Nasheed has appointed Minister of Defence Mr Ameen Faisal as the acting Minister of Home Affairs.

The Chinese Ambassador pays a farewell call on the President

31st Dec: The Ambassador of China to the Maldives, Mr Ye Dabo, paid his farewell call on the President today. The call was held at the President's Office.

During the call, the President thanked the Ambassador for his role in strengthening the relations between the Maldives and China, during his tenure. He also thanked the President and the Maldivian government for the support he had received.

Mr Dabo said that it had been a great pleasure for him to have served in the Maldives as Chinese Ambassador. He also thanked the President and the Maldivian government, for the support he received.

The call was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmed Shaheed; Maldivian Ambassador to China, Mr Ahmed Latheef; and Chief of Political Section of the Chinese Embassy,Mr Zhang Xuehai.

Mr Dabo is the twelfth diplomatic representative to be accredited to the Maldives by China.

The President appoints four councillors

31st Dec: President Nasheed has appointed an atoll councillor and three island councillors.

The newly appointed councillors are:

1. Mr Moosa Naeem as the councillor for North Ari Atoll

2. Mr Fathulla Hassan as the councillor for Filladhoo of North Thiladhunmathi Atoll

3. Mr Hussain Hameed as the councillor for Kelaa of North Thiladhummathi Atoll

4. Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Koi as the councillor for Kurendhoo of Faadhippolhu Atoll

The President establishes "Upper South Utilities Limited"

31st Dec: President Nasheed has established "Upper South Utilities Limited" and appointed members to the Board of Directors. The Company was established as a government company with hundred percent government shares. Establishing this company would facilitate more convenient delivery of services, including electricity, water supply, sewerage system and cooking gas at low price rates.

Mr Ahmed Shareef Nafees was appointed as the Chairman of the Board.

Other members appointed to the Board are:

- Mr Hussain Hameez

- Mr Shimad Ibrahim

- Mr Mohamed Iqbal Fikry

- Mr Ahmed Saeed Mohamed

- Mr Saleem Ibrahim

- Mr Ibrahim Rasheed

The President extends New Year greetings to the people

01st Jan: The President today extended New Year greetings and good wishes to the people.

The text of the President's New Year message reads as follows:

"As we welcome a New Year, it gives me great happiness to extend my sincere New Year greetings and best wishes to the beloved people of the Maldives.

I also pray to the Almighty Allah to bless the Maldives and its people with greater heights of development, happiness, peace and prosperity in the year 2009."

The President and the First Lady arrive in Sri Lanka on a State Visit Sri Lanka welcomes the President and the First Lady with a warm reception

02nd Jan: President Mohamed Nasheed and the First Lady Madam Laila Ali, arrived in Sri Lanka this morning on a State Visit. The President and the First Lady were welcomed with a warm reception at Banadaranaike International Airport.

The President and the First Lady were received by the President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse and Madam Rajapakse. President Nasheed was introduced by the Sri Lankan President to senior Sri Lankan Government officials. Further, the Sri Lankan President was introduced to the members of President Nasheed's delegation.

The national anthems of the two countries were then played, with President Nasheed on the dais. He then inspected a Guard of Honour which was followed by a 21-Gun Salute.

The President and the First Lady then signed the visitors' "Golden Book".

During the 3 day State visit to Sri Lanka, the President is scheduled to meet with the Sri Lankan President, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister, Mr. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake and senior officials of the Sri-Lankan Government. Bilateral consultations also will be held during the visit.

The President and the First Lady will also attend a State Banquet hosted in their honour by the President and the First Lady of Sri Lanka.

The President meets with the Sri Lankan President

02nd Jan: The President today met with the Sri Lankan President, Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa. The meeting was held this evening at the Presidential Secretariat.

Speaking at the meeting, President Nasheed thanked his Sri Lankan counterpart, Mr Mahindha Rajapaksa, the government and the people of Sri Lanka, for inviting him to make this State Visit to Sri Lanka. Highlighting on the close friendship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, President Nasheed assured that this visit would further strengthen the ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the meeting, the Sri Lankan President expressed his pleasure over President Nasheed's visit to Sri Lanka, and extended a very warm welcome to President Nasheed. President Rajapaksa further expressed his confidence that the bilateral ties between the two countries would strengthen during President Nasheed's tenure.

After the meeting, the President and the Sri Lankan President led the bilateral meeting between senior delegations from the two countries.

The discussions were focused on various aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries including widening the range of collaboration to new areas of development.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister pays a courtesy call on the President

02nd Jan: Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Rohitha Bogollagama has paid a courtesy call on President Nasheed. The call was held today at Hilton Colombo.

In their meeting the President and Foreign Minister discussed on the ways of strengthening bilateral relations and on possible areas of cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Director General of Sri Lanka's Central Cultural Fund pays a courtesy call on the President

02ns Jan: Director General of Sri Lanka's Central Cultural Fund, Mr Sudarshan Seneviratne has paid a courtesy call on the President. The call was held this afternoon at Hilton Colombo.

Speaking at the meeting, the President thanked the Sri Lankan government for the assistances rendered in promoting our culture and in discovering the country's ancient ruins and artefacts. He especially noted and thanked the Colombo University for their services to the Maldives in this endeavour. The President further spoke on strengthening the cooperation between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, in promoting and protecting historical places in the Maldives.

The President also reflected on the services of late Koligey Hassan Ahmed Maniku, in promoting cultural ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Mr Seneviratne assured that Sri Lanka would continue its assistances towards protecting historical places in the Maldives and in promoting its culture. He also said that the Central Cultural Fund would provide assistances to the Maldives, in this regard.

Sri Lankan Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage pays a courtesy call on the President

03rd Jan: Sri Lanka's Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Mr Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has paid a courtesy call on President Nasheed.

During the call held today at Hilton Colombo, President Nasheed thanked the Sri Lankan government for the assistances rendered in discovering the country's ancient ruins and artefacts and promoting Maldivian culture.

In their meeting, the President and the Minister also discussed on the ways of strengthening the cooperation between the two countries, in promoting and protecting historical places in the Maldives.

Speaking at the meeting, the Sri Lankan Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister said that the government of Sri Lanka would continue its support towards protecting historical places in the Maldives.

During his State Visit to Sri Lanka, President Nasheed today met with the Ambassador of Germany to the Maldives, Mr Jurgen Weerth and the High Commissioner of Canada to the Maldives, Mrs Angela Bogdan, respectively.

At the meetings, President Nasheed and the diplomatic representatives discussed on the ways to further strengthen the existing close relations between the Maldives and the respective countries.

President meets with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

03rd Jan: The President today met with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr Ratnasiri Wickremanayake.

The two leaders discussed ways to develop the existing close friendly relations between the two countries.

Speaking at the meeting, the President noted the strong historical ties between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. He further thanked the Sri Lankan government for the assistances rendered in promoting Maldivian history and culture. The President further highlighted the importance of strengthening the cooperation between the Maldives National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research and Sri Lankan authorities, in protecting historical places in the Maldives.

In the meeting, Prime Minister Wickremanayake said that the government of Sri Lanka attached a high priority to strengthen the ties between the two countries in various areas.

The meeting was also attended by the Sri Lankan Minister of Housing and Constructon, Mrs Ferial Ashraff. Speaking at the meeting, she said that the government of Sri Lanka would provide the technical support and assistance needed for the development of housing industry of Maldives.